News

Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans

by ERROL LABORDE Were it not for Tad Jones, jazz history would be off by 13 months. Jones was the local jazz researcher who made the discovery that Louis Armstrong was wrong about the date he gave for his birth. Armstrong had claimed he was born on July 4, 1900 - certainly a festive date with a nice round number. Jones, however, located Armstrong's baptismal records at Sacred Heart church… Read More »

Hot Discounts on Hotels/Cool Entertainment at Harrah's

Looking for a great vacation in August,our hotels are all offering special summer discounts that are sure to fit everyone's budget. To view a wide variety of great hotels, just click on http://www.experienceneworleans.com/availability/While in New Orleans this month, check out this fabulous show now appearing in the Harrah's Theatre!"Descendants of the Dragon"Harrah's New Orleans Casino presents "JUNGUA - Descendants of the Dragon"...a high impact 90-minute theatrical entertainment experience for all… Read More »

Good Time Had by All at

By Marica Mackenroth One of the greatest things about living in New Orleans is the abundance of celebration and events. Residents see each and every event as a chance to celebrate their heritage and come together as people. This year, the city celebrated Independence Day with true New Orleans grace and style. Each year, the Riverfront Marketing Group throws its annual "Go 4th on the River" Fourth of July Event.… Read More »

Satchmo Summerfest: Music, food and fun

Plan to be in New Orleans for Satchmo Summerfest...the premier American jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. This free community event is produced by the same great organization that produces French Quarter Festival and Christmas New Orleans Style! The event features live, local music on four stages; fascinating speakers, seminars and discusssions, special events such as Louis Armstrong Birthday… Read More »

July 4, 1776: The history

by Errol Laborde * July 4th was on a Thursday in 1776 so it would have been a busy day for fishermen who were preparing to bring their catches to the markets in Catholic New Orleans for the next day's meatless Friday. *Louisiana's Spanish governor, Luis de Unzaga, was secretly helping the American cause by arranging for five tons of gun powder to be shipped up the Mississippi, under the… Read More »

Celebrate July 4th on the Riverfront

Looking for a great place to spend the July 4th holiday...well look no further and plan to come to the New Orleans Riverfront for the annual "Go 4th on the River" celebration. After a full day of entertainment and events at all the attractions along the riverfront, the excitement is focused on the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 pm...ranked 5th "must see" fireworks display in the United States by… Read More »

ERROL LABORDE’S COMMENTARY: Snowball Men

by Errol Laborde When George Ortolano would leave for work each day he could rightfully say that he was off to see the wizard. He could even go one step further and say that he was off to make the wizard. Ortolano, who died at 86 in 2002, was a craftsman who never got the publicity he deserved. He created a machine that triggered a native industry. At the risk… Read More »

Louisiana should officially adopt the Sazerac

by ERROL LABORDE Granted, this is not the most pressing issue facing the legislature, but still alive (though barely) is the proposal to name the Sazerac as the state's official cocktail. Early in the session the idea ran into flak from mostly upstate lawmakers who saw evil in giving sanction to an alcoholic drink. (Curiously, wine is mentioned in the bible far more often than milk, the state's official drink.)… Read More »

Top 5 Vantage Points

by Errol Laborde Since we're celebrating local quirkiness with our cover story, I hereby designate picturesque vantage points as being a form of quirkiness. Not counting the view from the top of local skyscrapers with their panorama of the river's curves, here, in ascending order, are my picks of the city's top five vantage points, as seen from ground level. 5. "The Point" at Lake Pontchartrain. Once known as a… Read More »

Aiden Gill for Men: A Barbershop Classic

by Shawn Plep Every man should experience a real barber shop at least once in his life. I'm not talking about a hair stylist, and I'm not referring to a salon - or even a "men's salon" (whatever that is). I am talking about a genuine barber shop. That's right: a barber shop. The sort of place that's becoming harder to find these days. I'm talking about a place with… Read More »